Sandy Hook 5K moved to Hartford

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HARTFORD — The Sandy Hook Run for the Families, a 5K founded by a pair of Naugatuck residents, has been moved to Hartford.

Naugatuck residents Katie Blake and Matt Marcella decided to organize a 5K to benefit the Sandy Hook School Support Fund the night after the Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. The pair turned to the Hartford Marathon Foundation for help and the foundation is organizing the event free of charge.

The 5K was originally going to be held at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, but was moved to downtown Danbury to accommodate more participants. The 5K has been moved again to downtown Hartford, according to a press release issued by the Hartford Marathon Foundation.

“We could never have anticipated the incredible growth of this event and are moved by how many people in Connecticut and around the world are joining us and the Hartford Marathon Foundation to honor Newtown,” said Blake in the release.

The 5K run/walk is scheduled for March 23. The event will begin at 10 a.m. from Main Street in downtown Hartford with a Kids Fun Run for children ages 2 to 11. The 5K will begin after the Kids Run.

The run course will take place in downtown Hartford and post-race events, including a tribute to first responders, will be held in Bushnell Park.

Anyone who can’t make the race can register as a “virtual runner” and run a 5K on their own.

Registration is $25 for adults through Feb. 28 and $30 after. Students ages 18 to 22 pay $20 until Feb. 28 and $25 after. Registration for first responders is $20 until Feb. 28 and $25 after. Registration is $10 for children ages 5 to 17 and for the Kids Fun Run.

All of the registration fees will go toward The Sandy Hook School Support Fund administered by the United Way of Western Connecticut in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank.

To register or for more information, visit www.HartfordMarathon.com. Race details can also be found at www.facebook.com/hmfevents. Donations are also being accepted at www.crowdrise.com/SandyHookRun.